Afterschool Webinar:

Youth work is a sacred opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children and youth. Join us for an exciting webinar featuring authors from the recent volume The Heartbeat of the Youth Development Field: Professional Journeys of Growth, Connection, and Transformation, in which curated personal narratives written by youth workers shine a light on the intricate connections between research and practice, touching upon both the vulnerability and triumph of youth development work.

In this webinar, we will hear from youth development professionals and researchers about how youth workers’ lived experiences inspire the ability to build the relationships that are the foundation of positive and healthy youth development. From relationships comes engagement, and from engagement, transformation—centered in equity, inclusion, and belonging. No one is better able to advocate for these truths than the professionals who found themselves—by whatever means—working with young people to bring positive change to their lives, their communities, and our world.

We will explore the transformative power in the work of OST professionals. Come learn strategies to sustain the ability of OST workers to create transformation, and hear about recent data and insights on the workforce and direction forward.

Speakers:

• Jimena Quiroga Hopkins, Founder and Principal, Thrive Paradigm
• Keith Miller, Managing Director, Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) Project at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work and Founder, Healing By Any Means, LLC.
• Ingrid Nelson, Associate Professor of Sociology, Bowdoin College.
• Nikki Yamashiro, Vice President of Research, Afterschool Alliance
• Elizabeth Starr, Research Associate, NIOST (Facilitator)